This journey is an invitation to explore the striking contrasts of ancient Ceylon. From the coolness of the tea-covered mountains to the spiritual effervescence of the northern temples, each stage reveals a different facet of this pearl of the Indian Ocean.

You will alternate between moments of cultural contemplation and raw immersion in wild nature before concluding with an exclusive seaside break on the wild eastern coast.

11-night itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Kalutara

Day 2: Kalutara →  Kosgoda →  Kalametiya →  Tissamaharama 

Day 3: Yala National Park →   Wellawaya →   Bandarawela → Nuwara Eliya

Day 4: Nuwara Eliya → Kandy

Day 5: Kandy → Matale → Sigiriya

Day 6: Sigiriya ⇄ Polonnaruwa 

Day 7: Sigiriya → Mihintale → Vavuniya → Jaffna

Day 8: Jaffna

Day 9: Jaffna → Vavuniya → Nilaveli

Day 10: Nilaveli

Day 11: Nilaveli → Dambulla → Kurunegala → Negombo

Day 12: Negombo → Departure from Colombo

This tour is also available in 12, 13 and 14 nights. During your extra nights, you will enjoy 2, 3 or 4 full days of relaxation on the beaches of Nilaveli.

Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN KALUTARA

• Arrive at Colombo International Airport, where your English-speaking driver-guide will meet and welcome you.
• Transfer to Kalutara, enjoying the scenic drive through Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes.
• Check in to your hotel (subject to arrival time, standard check in is at 1pm) and unwind before a delicious dinner.
• Relax for the rest of the day at leisure, soaking in the tranquil surroundings and preparing for the adventures ahead.

Dinner included & overnight in Kalutara.

DAY 2: KALUTARA → KOSGODA → KALAMETIYA → TISSAMAHARAMA

• After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the southern coast of Sri Lanka, beginning with a visit to Kosgoda Turtle Sanctuary, where endangered sea turtles return to nest on the warm golden sands, a truly awe-inspiring and meaningful encounter.
• Continue to Galle, exploring the 17th-century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and living monument. Wander its narrow streets, ramparts, and bastions, soaking in the Mediterranean-like atmosphere and the blend of colonial history and contemporary life.
• Transfer to Kalametiya Sanctuary for a scenic boat ride through mangroves, spotting diverse birdlife and vibrant aquatic species amid pristine coastal landscapes.
• Continue to Tissamaharama via Weerawila, checking in to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast & dinner included, overnight in Tissamaharama.

DAY 3: YALA NATIONAL PARK → WELLAWAYA → BANDARAWELA → NUWARA ELIYA

• Early breakfast at the hotel, followed by a thrilling safari in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife sanctuary.
• Explore over 900 square kilometres of dry forests, grasslands, and coastal lagoons, home to leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a rich array of birdlife, with guided jeep safaris offering unforgettable wildlife encounters.
• Journey onwards towards Nuwara Eliya, passing through the scenic lowlands and plains, with stunning landscapes unfolding along the way.
• Stop at Ravana Falls, steeped in Ramayana legend and named after the mythical King Ravana. Marvel at one of Sri Lanka’s widest waterfalls and take in its natural beauty.
• Continue via Bandarawela to reach the charming hill station of Nuwara Eliya.

Optional excursion (available at additional cost): Train journey between Ella and Nanu Oya.

Breakfast & dinner included, overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

DAY 4: NUWARA ELIYA → KANDY

• Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to Nuwara Eliya, a charming hill station nestled at 1,900 metres, famed for its lush tea plantations, colonial architecture, and cool climate.
• Depart for Kandy along the scenic tea route, stopping at a tea plantation and factory to discover the process of producing world-renowned Ceylon black tea.
• Continue to Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, a 147-acre oasis of manicured lawns, vibrant flora, charming pavilions, and the iconic octagonal conservatory, offering a peaceful retreat amid Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.
• Arrive in Kandy, the hill capital of Sri Lanka, UNESCO-listed and surrounded by verdant hills around its scenic lake.
• Check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast & dinner included, overnight stay in Kandy.

DAY 5: KANDY → MATALE → SIGIRIYA

• Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s last royal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, steeped in history, culture, and tradition.
• Explore the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa), home to the left canine tooth of Lord Buddha, an important pilgrimage site and an exquisite example of Kandyan architecture, venerated by locals and visitors alike.
• Depart for Dambulla via Matale, stopping at a spice garden to discover Ceylon’s famous spices, their uses, and traditional remedies.
• Continue to Dambulla and visit the Rock Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marvel at 5 cave temples adorned with 150 Buddha statues and intricate cave paintings.
• Stop at Dambulla Market to experience vibrant local life before checking in to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast & dinner included, overnight stay in Sigiriya.

DAY 6: SIGIRIYA ⇄ POLONNARUWA

• Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Sigiriya for the ascent of Lion Rock, the 5th-century rock fortress of King Kasyapa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Marvel at the gigantic Lion Paws, royal gardens, ramparts, frescoes inspired by Gupta-style paintings, and the famous Mirror Wall, before exploring the onsite museum and learning about the ingenious ancient hydraulic systems.
• Transfer to Polonnaruwa for a city tour of Sri Lanka’s second ancient capital, where ruins of palaces, temples, dagobas, statues, and the Parakrama Samudra tank reveal a golden age of architecture and culture.
• Return to Sigiriya for dinner and overnight stay, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Breakfast & dinner included, overnight stay in Sigiriya.

DAY 7: SIGIRIYA → MIHINTALE → VAVUNIYA → JAFFNA

• Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a scenic journey from Sigiriya to Jaffna, crossing Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes from central plains to lush northern coasts.
• Check in to your hotel upon arrival and prepare for an afternoon of cultural discovery.
• Explore the vibrant Jaffna Market, where colourful stalls brim with tropical fruits, spices, vegetables, and traditional Tamil snacks, offering a true taste of local life and community spirit.
• Visit the historic Jaffna Fort, a majestic Portuguese and Dutch fortress, wandering its ramparts and enjoying panoramic views of the Indian Ocean while learning about the city’s rich history.
• Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast & dinner included, overnight in Jaffna.

DAY 8: JAFFNA

• After breakfast, embark a gentle boat ride to Nagadeepa Island, where the ancient temple awaits amidst serene waters—a sacred site said to be touched by the Buddha’s own footsteps, offering a tranquil and reflective experience.
• Return to Jaffna city and explore its lively streets, colourful shops, and quaint cafés, soaking up the rich Tamil heritage and vibrant local atmosphere.
• In the evening, visit the iconic Nallur Kovil, Jaffna’s largest and most revered Hindu temple, marvel at its intricate Dravidian architecture, colourful statues, and centuries-old traditions, gaining a deep insight into the city’s spiritual and cultural life.
• Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast & dinner included, overnight in Jaffna.

DAY 9: JAFFNA → VAVUNIYA → NILAVELI

• Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a scenic drive to the coastal paradise of Nilaveli, with a stop at Elephant Pass, the historic gateway linking Jaffna Peninsula to the mainland.
• Take in the serene wetlands, mangroves, and rich history of this strategic site.
• Continue to Nilaveli and check in to your hotel, surrounded by pristine beaches and turquoise waters, perfect for relaxation or seaside adventures.
• Spend the afternoon at leisure, choosing to unwind by the beach, explore the surroundings, or simply soak in the tranquil atmosphere of this idyllic coastal escape.

Breakfast & dinner included, overnight in Nilaveli.

DAY 10: NILAVELI

• Full day at leisure on the sun-kissed beaches of Nilaveli, where you can swim in turquoise waters, stroll along the shore, or simply relax and unwind in this tropical paradise.

Breakfast & dinner included, overnight in Nilaveli.

DAY 11: NILAVELI → DAMBULLA → KURUNEGALA → NEGOMBO

• Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a leisurely morning to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings at your own pace.
• Scenic drive to Negombo, passing through the cultural town of Dambulla and the vibrant streets of Kurunegala.
• Check in to your hotel in Negombo and unwind after the journey.

Breakfast & dinner included, overnight in Negombo.

DAY 12: NEGOMBO → DEPARTURE FROM COLOMBO

• Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a private transfer to the international airport with your chauffeur, ensuring a comfortable and timely journey in line with your flight schedule.
• Wishing you safe travels and cherished memories to take home from your unforgettable Sri Lankan adventure.

Please note that the check out is at 12pm.

Breakfast included.

We have selected comfortable and ideally located establishments to guarantee you a peaceful stay.

• Kalutara: Tangerine Beach Hotelc 4* or similar - Delxue Room
• Tissamaharama: Chaarya Resort & Spa 4* or similar - Delxue Room
• Nuwara Eliya: Lynden Grove 4* or similar - Delxue Room
• Kandy: Hotel Topaz 4* or similar - Delxue Room
• Sigiriya: Elephas Resort 4* or similar - Delxue Room
• Jaffna: Fox Jaffna by Fox Resorts 4* or similar - Delxue Room
• Nilaveli: Trinco blu by Cinnamon 4* or similar - Delxue Room
• Negombo: Pledge Scapes 4* or similar - Delxue Room

If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.

An experienced English-speaking driver-guide will accompany you throughout your Sri Lanka itinerary, ensuring seamless transfers, local insights, and personalised commentary at each destination.

Discover Trincomalee, one of Sri Lanka's most historic and picturesque coastal cities. This tour allows travellers to explore the region's rich cultural heritage, colonial monuments and striking natural beauty.

Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family without limits.

Please note: 3GB of internet data represents around 30 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming/social networking/video calls.

In the afternoon, embark on one of the most picturesque train journeys in the world.

Sigiriya, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic destinations, is home to the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Towering above the lush jungle, this ancient city is known for its intricate frescoes, stunning gardens, and panoramic views. 

Must Sees:

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress: A must-visit ancient royal citadel offering panoramic views and ancient frescoes as you climb to the top.
• Pidurangala Rock: A quieter, more accessible rock offering stunning views of Sigiriya Rock.
• Sigiriya Museum: A small but informative museum showcasing the history of the area, with artifacts and details about the rock's construction.

Culinary Culture:

Sigiriya’s food scene blends traditional Sri Lankan cuisine with unique flavors from the surrounding region. Popular dishes include rice and curry, fresh local vegetables, and hearty meat curries. Many hotels and guesthouses offer authentic meals featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables, and there are also plenty of options to enjoy Sri Lankan hoppers, roti, and seafood dishes while overlooking the stunning landscapes.

Dive Deeper:

Visit the Habarana Village for a cultural experience, where you can enjoy a traditional village tour, including a boat ride and cycling around the picturesque countryside. You can also explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, just a short drive from Sigiriya, which is home to intricate Buddhist murals and statues that date back over 2,000 years.

Good to Know:

The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), and while credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, it's recommended to carry cash for smaller shops and markets. The main languages spoken are Sinhala and Tamil, but English is commonly spoken in tourist regions. It’s essential to wear appropriate attire when visiting Sigiriya Rock Fortress and temples, covering your shoulders and legs out of respect for the cultural sites.